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POSITION  

 

PLA seeks to immediately hire a full time paralegal to perform intake and provide brief advice, service and referral to clients.  This position requires the paralegal to conduct telephone interviews with prospective clients during which a determination of financial eligibility and the identification of the legal problem(s) is made.  If eligible, the paralegal will conduct an intake interview to determine what the legal problem is and what level of assistance PLA can provide.  The paralegal will provide counsel and advice, brief service, pro se assistance in a variety of legal substantive areas and complete referrals to pro bono agencies under the supervision of an attorney. The ideal candidate will possess excellent knowledge of PLA practice areas and knowledge of other community resources for appropriate referrals. There is intensive in-house training and close supervision will be provided.  Paralegals may be asked to conduct face to face interviews with applicants when a prospective client needs or requests an in person appointment. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS  

 

  • A college degree (2 year or 4 year) is preferred.  
  • Ability to interact and communicate calmly with people.  
  • Ability to analyze complex factual scenarios and, after training, identify the legal problem.  
  • An interest in the law and in lawyering; 
  • Strong analytic and reasoning ability; 
  • A strong commitment to racial justice; 
  • The ability to manage conflicting demands; 
  • A commitment to improving the well-being of low-income communities.  
  • Maturity, self-motivation, and ability to adapt quickly.  
  • Prior work or volunteer experience at a non-profit serving low-income clients is preferred.  
  • Strong interviewing, writing, organizational and problem-solving skills.  
  • Ability to follow up with clients and explain legal concepts, options and deliver legal advice under supervision of an attorney. 
  • Compassion, understanding, patience and a talent for working cooperatively with a broad spectrum of people; 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
  • Ability to speak, read, and write a second language preferred, but not required.